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Technical points

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

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The limiting factor in the ultrasound examination of the heart is the size of the lung-free window.

Air-filled lung may prevent adequate echocardiography in cases of obstructive airways disease or chest wall deformity.

There are three classical views:

  • left parasternal - in the third and fourth intercostal spaces
  • subcostal - below the xiphoid process of the sternum
  • apical - over the apex beat (improved when the patient is lying on the left side and exhaling)

Other views:

  • suprasternal - for examination of the aortic arch
  • transoesophageal - improves overall access

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